The Treasury of David
by C.H. Spurgeon
EXPOSITION OF THE PSALMS
(Psalms 83 Verse 7)
EXPOSITION
Verse 7. Gebal was probably a near neighbour of Edom, though there was a Gebal in the region of Tyre and Sidon.
And Ammon, and Amalek. Two other hereditary foes of Israel, fierce and remorseless as ravening wolves. In the roll of infamy let these names remain detestably immortalised. How thick they stand. Their name is legion, for they are many. Alas, poor Israel, how art thou to stand against such a Bloody League? Nor is this all. Here comes another tribe of ancient foemen, the Philistines; who once blinded Samson, and captured the ark of the Lord; and here are old allies become new enemies; the builders of the temple conspiring to pull it down, even the inhabitants of Tyre. These last were mercenaries who cared not at whose bidding they drew sword, so long as they carved something for their own advantage. True religion has had its quarrel with merchants and craftsmen, and because it has interfered with their gains, they have conspired against it.
EXPLANATORY NOTES AND QUAINT SAYINGS
Verse 6-8. See Psalms on "Psalms 83:6" for further information.
Verse 7. Gebal.
- It is generally supposed to indicate the mountainous tract extending from the Dead Sea southward to Petra, still named Jebal. But some of the best writers identify it with No. 2, as mentioned in conjunction with Tyre.
- A place spoken of in connection with Tyre, Ezekiel 27:9. Most probably the residence of the Giblites, and therefore to the north of Palestine, Joshua 13:5. The Giblites were employed by Hiram, king of Tyre, in preparing materials for Solomon's temple, 1 Kings 5:18, margin. The Greek name of this place was Byblus. The town is called Jebeil, and has a population of about six hundred. It is about seventeen miles north of Beyroot. The ancient ruins are very extensive. Immense numbers of granite columns are strewn about in the village and over the surrounding fields. These columns are mostly small, varying from one foot to two feet in diameter. Some of the stones measure nearly twenty feet in length. The citadel is the most remarkable ruin. The port is nearly choked up with sand and ruins. George H. Whitney's "Hand Book of Bible Geography." 1872
HINTS FOR PASTORS AND LAYPERSONS
None.